Locked out players rejected Major League Baseball’s request for a federal mediator to enter stalled labor negotiations.
It's a move that pretty much eliminated any chance for an on-time start to spring training and increased the work stoppage’s threat to opening day.
On Thursday, the 64th day of a lockout, MLB Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem asked the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to enter the dispute.
An agreement by the players’ association was needed for the federal conciliation service to enter talks.
Owners locked out players on Dec. 2, immediately following the expiration of a five-year collective bargaining agreement.
There have been just three negotiating sessions on core economics since. The lockout entered its 65th day, and it is baseball's ninth work stoppage.
Spring training workouts are to start Feb. 16, and opening day is scheduled for March 31.
